Taking time, to spend some time.

"You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God."

This past week, the Lord offered some incredible opportunities to bond with both my immediate family as well as my church family, which was so encouraging and uplifting that it must be shared. At my home church, Community of the Word, I was able to host a DIY day (Do It Yourself) and asked that all the ladies of the church who were interested in joining to bring pieces of fabrics, cloth, and/or accessories that they weren't using anymore to take apart and put back together. My hope was to be able to show them what I do in my business and teach them some ways to recycle old, unused items into something new. At the same time I was very excited to be able to spend time with these sisters of mine and build our relationship through a fun and funky type of fellowship.

Armed with one sewing machine, a few different sewing kits, and quite a few enthusiastic participants the day was a success and I was able to show a little love to my sisters in Christ through an avenue of love and creativity the Lord has given to me. It was certainly an enjoyable way to "Pay it Forward".

I praise God for the opportunity to share a little bit of myself with these ladies and, more than that, get the chance to learn a little bit more about them. Seeing them express themselves creatively was an insight into how beautifully unique the Lord has made each and every one of us.

Lord willing, we will be able to do many more events like this at CW and of course at other churches. If anyone out there, oh lovely readers, is interested in having a DIY day hosted either at a church or at some other venue, let me know! I would be more than happy to see what I could do for you.

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But that, of course, wasn't the only blessing to come out of this week. One outing, on a more personal level, was a day out with my boys to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. Homeschooling all three of our boys affords us the opportunity to make every special outing a learning experience. Like a field trip, but more inclusive since we get to learn right along with them.

Watching your children nteract with the world is an underrated and under-appreciated blessing in this world. Having three boys with very different personalities gives both Ray and I a glimpse into who they are and the kind of men they will become. The decision to have them home schooled continues to be reiterated to me as a good choice and I praise God for the blessing of patience, endurance, and the ability to see the things I may have never noticed if we had put them in school.

Their curiosity is something that I hope never fades. Their ability to stay engaged in the world and to learn from every experience that God allows them is my hope and prayer for their future. And more than that I hope that we continue to have the opportunity to be an active part of their education.






The world is changing and growing just as our boys are and I cherish these days when we can spend time together and grow stronger as a family. I will never get tired of these moments and I hope that I never lose sight of just how fleeting they really are.

Thank you, Lord for blessing me with the chance to strengthen the relationships in my family both biological and spiritual. You really are a God of providence who is more gracious than I deserve. Here's to many more weeks like this.

-Ciel

Picture Day at Vanguard Academy

Here's a short story of how we envision 2013-2014 will be like at Vanguard Homeschool Academy:

 A lot of reading!

 A lot of searching! 

 A lot of discussing! Literally!

 Some silliness!

 And of course, eating healthy food!

 More reading!

 Teaching E for excellence!

 A lot of contemplating!

 Geology & History!

 Just learning every minute of the day!

 Practice makes better!

 Showing and Sharing!

 Learning to sit back and enjoy the moment! 

 Studying together!

 Enjoying the couch together!

Then thank God Almighty at the end of a wonderful productive day! What a blessing it is to be a homeschooling family!

What a Wonderful feeling

My son, Ezekiel, went on a ride by himself that swings him around and around.  He was the only one on the ride. I thought this was a great capture that depicts his independence. Ever since he turned 10, it's been a transition for me as a mom. I have so much expectation because he's the eldest, but at the same time I realize how much I need to remember God has plans for Him bigger than mine.

"Mommy and me" time...

As my children are growing up fast, I find our day getting really busier. With homeschooling and other activities we have taken on, it seem as if I don't have time with any of them. Even though I am with them practically every moment of the day, I find it hard to have that quality time with each son. There is always a fight over who gets Mom's attention first.  So every week I have set a time to take one son at a time and have a special time with just the two of us. This way it gives less distraction from other siblings, and each one gets to speak to Mom without interruption and competition for my moms attention. So far they love going out with mommy.

Where do I take them? To Starbucks, to the library, and sometimes to the store for a quick grocery run. But the point is, it's just "mommy and me" time.

To be Healthy or not to be Healthy

I'm such a late bloomer. All along I thought I was being healthy enough in my own ways. Here I am thinking I'm smart enough to know what's best and what's not. Little did I know that I really wasn't. It takes constant knowing, by constant reading, by learning from others, or by experiencing it the hard way. I find it that life will be a never ending learning. Which I now appreciate and agree with that statement, before I would think it be dreading. I enjoy learning now, oh how I wish I had the same enjoyment back in grade school. Well, as the saying goes "better late than never". So, what am I jabbering about at the peak of a new year?  Why did I title my post the way I did? Maybe because I just want to tell everyone that I have been liberated to a healthy way. Now I agree that what we breath and take in is serious. With all the technology out there we seem to think it's all trustworthy. I guess what I'm trying to share is that through the past months I've been learning about what is healthy and what is not and announce that I've become an agreeable GREEN! Greener than before, I guess you can say. Happy New Year to the world of blogging!

Creativity at work!

Sometimes they just need that break and let their creativity inside run like crazy with the camera. This photo was taken by my eldest son, Ez 9yo, who built this little village of logs and added his toy soldiers to create a war zone. Who would have thought of that a war zone can exist on Mommy's wood floors but my own sons! They even took a video and made a movie out of it.

Wordless Wednesday- Goodbye Summer Hello Fall!

A trip to the beaches...

Our share of the California beaches. I use to not look forward to swimming in the ocean because of its cold temperature even during summers. But surprisingly enough our trip to the beaches this summer was a delight. The water was not too cold, and because of the heat wave it was encouraging to enjoy being in the water. So as a family we really enjoyed the water and the waves. Of course my three year old loved playing in the sand. I'm glad that we made it to the beach this year. I believe August is the best time of the year to swim in the ocean! And those rash guards truly helps protect skin sun burn!

A Happy Mother's Day Gift

It's a special time of the year when the whole family is celebrating, because of one special person who strives to manage and keep the family together.  The role of a mother in the home is very unique and special. It's a high calling that no one can just replace. I pray for the mothers who are in the work force, because they have much responsibilities to fulfill from both work and home. I pray for the mothers who are striving to not forget their God given role at home, who are juggling their time among many other things. May they find joy in being a mom.

So in lieu of Mother's Day coming soon, and for all the mother's out there this is my gift to you a 20% discount coupon towards my ETSY shop on any items. This is also a calling to all the kids who are looking for a Mother's Day gift idea. Take advantage!

Visit my etsy shop anytime before Mother's Day, and enter the coupon code: mothersday

This coupon is only valid at www.madebyciel.etsy.com , expires on May 13, 2012.

Memories families make together is worth keeping

I can't believe that it was a year ago that we found over the internet a free concert that an orchestra was going to play for the children in the community near by ours. It was a free event that they set for children to come and watch. I remember it was a fun day to take the boys. What better way to remember this day to see our boys now taking music lessons of an instrument of their choice from a music school that is just right for them, Claremont School of Music. How time flies. This is one of the best memories I hope to keep retelling. 

A wonderful way to find good books

Our family is always on a hunt for good books. We would set a day to go book hunting! The thrifts stores are our first choice to go to. Used books are as good as new as long as they are readable. Sometimes we will have a list of books to look for, and sometimes we just go and see what the stores have. And when we have funds to get new books we visit the Barnes & Noble down the street. Yes, that one is still open.

Although this one particular book that I've found lately is no where in the places I have mentioned. This one is special because I personally met the author of this book. I thought it was a treat meeting the author of a book. Her name is Heather Tietz. She is a children's book author. She has a list of books published by Ambassador Publishing. She wrote a lullaby book that is great to read and sing to your little ones. I thought this was a cute book to have. Sing the book to your child in the tune of "Jesus Loves You" as you put them to sleep. I went looking for it over the internet and yes you can find it at Amazon.com, or directly from Barnes&Noble.com. Visit her website to know more about her.

Every minute is a moment of instruction

I was just reminded the other day how a day is like a minute. How quickly it passes. And with this thought the more it drives me to not cease a day with my children too long. And most of all, to never cease praying. A constant review of how every minute with my children is a moment of importance. I'm a mom of three boys in which two are are no longer toddlers, and the other will soon pass this stage too. And because I'm growing boys the more I see the urgency to always be on guard to teach, to train, to guide.  I've been told many times that parents are raising leaders not merely children. Raising them up is one thing, and raising them to be leaders is a higher calling. And to make things happen now is the time to train, not when they turn sixteen. I speak not only to my fellow parents, but I preach to myself that every minute is a moment of instruction of grace, discipline, survival and so much more. Let's not miss the mark.

Wishing your family to have a productive year!

Past Vendor Events

For this past month of December it was really challenging for  C I E L. We ventured out as a family to do vendor events to experience the season in a different way. All in all it turned out to be a positive experience that I would do again. Here is a recap of each event.

Here is a picture of the San Dimas Extravaganza an outdoor event that my whole family did together. It just so happened that this was a city event for the families in the community. It was a great way to meet the people of San Dimas! Though it was the windiest day to be outside show casing my items it was really fun being there, especially with my family. And to also spread the news that C I E L has began support non profit organization that supports families around the world in need. SHOW HOPE & SAMARITAN'S PURSE.

After the San Dimas Extravaganza I was praying for another opportunity to join another vendor event for the season. After 2 weeks past I didn't find one until a friend of mine told me about her daughter's dance school recital will be having vendor tables for three days. It was a great way to meet other vendors.

Before Christmas Day I was blessed with another opportunity to show case my items at the LA County Children's Services Office for the nurses who worked there. They loved my stuff and I was very encouraged.

Here are the items I showed on that day: PURSE ORGANIZERS, WRISTLETS, IPAD SLEEVES

HAIR ACCESSORIES